I've been looking around the mini website, but couldnt get any information on the gps system. i would like to see a demo or a video of it working. if not on the official website then maybe a user has a clip somewhere.

 

What are you looking for?

It's really not much different from any other Nav system in use today. There's a map with the road on it, and a little icon that represents you. It moves along the road as you do. The route you tavel is depicted as a white line on the map. The system speaks the directions... It's nothing special..

 

You can ask your dealer for a copy of one of the instructional CDs that come with the user manual in every new MINI. The CD has a whole section on using the MINI's nav system (including videos of it in action, etc.). It's quite nice.

 

yeah i'll ask the dealership about a demo cd. i just wish there was more info on something that costs 1700. at least the way it operates, night/day. POI. even the basic gps function. i guess the gps system is not mini's claim to fame.

 

I personally love my nav system. My mom has a '03 Ford Expedition and has nav as well but it is all but useless where she lives (Rome, Ga, small city, 60,000) But my lovely MINI Nav has ALL of the roads (even some gravel and dirt ones!). I use it all the time here in the Big ATL cause atlanta has horrible road engineering and even worse street signs! I have the MK3 nav computer which is the older CD based one as opposed to the new MK4 DVD based one. The DVD one has faster processing and best of all it has the entire US on one disc. Me being 18 and thus not know too many roads and also being a freshmen at Ga Tech (To hell with Georgia ), navigating (no pun intend ) is so much easiler with the Nav system. I say test drive a MINI with Nav. It has some cool features like "Information" in which it has gas stations, shopping, restraunts, museums, you name it stored and you can find them close to you and then get directions.

 

Of if you posted where you are someone could actually show you.


It really helps when you fill out your profile.


Paul

 

im from boston, and there are 2 mini dealers here. peabody and herb chambers. if i couldnt get an answer at NAM then i was just gonna go there and look for myself. but i was hoping to have some knowledge before i head over so i could ask any questions. ive read all the mixed reviews about the gps system.

 

I have it and love it. I however have nothing to compare it to. It works excellent, the only thing I think is quirky is the categories when searching for a type of business/public attraction etc. The have general and travel break downs of categories and I haven't grasped the differences yet. My wife works for Athenas Home Novelties and occaisional when doing a home party has an address or palce she doesn't know how to get to. She then take my mini and use the nav system. It allows her to keep driving and it redirects her if she makes a awrong turn etc. without having to sop and call the people. If you'rr out here in western mass I'd let you try it. There are aftermarket ones that are cheaper but I like integration. I don't want another thing on my dash looking "add on".

Hell I'm even thinking of the K40 custom installed radar detector so I don't have a box with wires in my face.


Paul

 

i can offer a comparison. i've got the nav in my MINI and love it. i get lost just going to the mailbox so it's been a life saver for me. i like the fact that i could basically figure it out without reading the manual. you still will need to consult the manual, but it is pretty straightforward and easy to use. the terminology can be a little confusing, but you learn.

we bought a Lincoln Aviator before they were offering the factory nav, so we had an Alpine unit put in. it had the pop out/flip up screen, and was way too confusing to use. very poorly designed interface, kind of like a busy hard to figure out website! that whole system is now sitting in a grocery bag in the back of the Aviator and the original head unit is back in it's place. the Alpine system cost more than the MINI system, and for my money is not worth it.

 

i love the whole integrated look of the mini gps. you're right when an add-on looks out of place. and the idea of taking out a portable gps system whenever you get out of your car seems too much of a hassle.